Session 3

We discussed Industrial Development Toward Sustainability in Session 3a and how society today is shifting from a 'linear' to a 'cyclical' model. A 'linear' model is one that brings about the idea of economic well-being at the cost of the environment. As sustainability becomes more of an issue, we see the shift to a 'cyclical' model which promotes both economic and environmental well-being. In Session 3b, Innovation Management was discussed. The main focus was the translation process from research to development and eventually the application of a certain product.

A 'cyclical' model is what businesses should adopt today. I feel with the size that corporations have grown to, their actions would have a very significant impact on the environment and the welfare of society as well. This brings about the point of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Corporations should in fact aim to maximize profits as well as handle the social and environmental issues that arise with it. As pointed out by Dr. Shahi, “a 'cyclical' business driven by sustainability presents an opportunity for innovation, growth and value creation”.

The topic “The Peak Oil Crisis: Sustainability” was presented to us by Hui Min. He elaborated on the problems that we would face in the future due to the shortages of oil and how we should look shift to renewable energy sources sooner than later. I agree that in theory, a renewable energy alternative does seem to be the solution. However the practicality of it seems to be the question. Harnessing solar energy or wind energy for example, requires a large amount of land as well as funds to construct the facilities needed. Biofuels seem to be best 'renewable' replacement for fossil fuels as they are easy for people and businessmen to transition to without special apparatus or a change in vehicle or home infrastructure¹. Biofuels also do not emit greenhouse gases which would limit pollution. However the problem of efficiency still remains and whether the production of biofuels would be able to completely replace fossil fuels and supply the world with the needed energy. My take on this is that more of such renewable energy sources should be utilized to ease the demand and dependency on fossil fuels. I do not see such energy sources completely replacing fossil fuels in the future.

The point of biofuels I felt could have been discussed more in class as it could be a more viable alternative energy source as compared to solar and wind energy.

Personal Rating 8/10

1http://environment.about.com/od/fossilfuels/a/biofuels.htm

Session 2

In session 2, we discussed the dimensions of global dominance as well as some of the characteristics of a “Rising Star” and a “Falling Star”. The term Eurocentrism was also touched on as much of the world's history today is told from a European standpoint. In part 2, the dimensions of development were brought up and we discussed in depth what the meaning of human development actually is. We also had a few oral presentations by the students.

The characteristics of a “Rising Star” and a “Falling Star”, I felt were very relevant in todays context. A “Rising Star” is a country with an open perspective, is optimistic and keen to invest in new ideas. At the pace that the world is changing at today, it is very important to be willing to take in new ideas and adapting as one would see fit. This theory put across by Dr Shahi is relevant to not only countries, but people as a whole. Productivity still is a very key component in businesses today, however more emphasis is put on innovation as well. Therefore the characteristics of a “Rising Star” are very relevant to everyone in society today.

In the second part of class, the discussion was focused on the rich and poor children of society and whether they would have equal chances of pursuing education. Taking Singapore as an example, I personally feel that although there are a significant number of avenues for both the rich and poor children to excel in, the richer children of society would still have an advantage in the later stages of education. As a child progresses through Singapore's education track, the costs that would be incurred for a poorer family would be greater. Instead of moving on to a tertiary education and putting even more strain on the family's finances, parents from poorer families would rather their children look for jobs and ease their burden. This would then lead to a situation where it would be harder for a child who comes from a poor family to break out of the poverty cycle. Assuming that a higher education level would lead to people landing better jobs and in turn having a higher salary.

Lydia's presentation on Pornographication raised certain issues with the media that caught my interest. With reference to Reading 3, A Stagnant and Meaningless Popular Culture is a Big Problem for Society, “old stories no longer work – they are too well known – and because alternative stories cannot be shown because they go against the commercial grain”. As a result, the media would now have to turn to other methods of captivating audiences. These methods could include increased visual effects or in this case, sex. As this form of media continues to go rampant, the question of whether parents should continue to shield their children from this particular form of media would be raised and if so how long more can they actually do so.

This issue I felt that could have been further discussed was the Millennium Development Goals and how developments in technology in the present as well as the future will be able to aid this cause.

Personal Rating: 8/10

Introductions...

Session 1 started with a screening of the "Shift Happens" video clip, followed by the introductions of everyone in class. We also watched a "Guns, Germs and Steel" clip after.

The "Shift Happens" clip really put some things into perspective for me, such as how Nintendo was able to spend $140 million in the research and development of games whilst the U.S federal government spent half as much on research and innovation in education.

The other observation I made was Dr Shahi browsing through YouTube for the "Guns,Germs and Steel" video clip during our break. What then dawned on me was how much YouTube has changed video streaming on the internet and the amount of time it has taken to do so. In 5 years, YouTube has become the center of video streaming and with it the browsing of individual sites to locate a particular clip were days of yore. With the diverse varieties of videos available on one portal, you could watch an intellectually stimulating video and one for pure mindless laughter just a few clicks apart.

The point that I would like to bring across is how technology is no more a tool than a lifestyle, how the development in technology has brought about convenience. There is absolutely no need to head down to a bookstore when a new book is a few touches away on your iPad or other related media platforms. Staying up late to watch a soccer match with some friends and the only thing between us and McDonald's supper? A phone, 6777 3777, $5 and a 30 minute wait. I feel this convenience is the impetus of increasing obesity in the world today.

The issue on why Papua New Guinea was so much poorer than the "white men" was quite interesting and i felt could have been touched on a bit more. 

Personal Rating: 7/10